Saturday, December 8, 2012

For four decades of the mid 1900's, George Reid was associated with the soda
parlor next to the Marva Theater. A 1976 newspaper article featured an interview
with Mr. Reid.

You can read the article in it's entirety this Sunday here at The Pocomoke
Public Eye!

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow
storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your
parents or grandparents told you about, a Holiday memory? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to
tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE
posting!

RICHMOND-In response to a request from Governor Bob McDonnell, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made low-interest disaster loans available to individuals, renters and businesses on Virginia's Eastern Shore to help them recover from Hurricane Sandy.

The governor asked for a federal SBA disaster declaration following the denial by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of his request for the Individual Assistance Program. "Unfortunately, the damage we had in Virginia was not of the severity or widespread enough for us to qualify for Individual Assistance," said Governor McDonnell. "Although we considered an appeal of the FEMA decision, it is very unlikely it would be successful, and waiting for another decision would only delay assistance that can be provided through disaster recovery loans."

SBA loans are available to individuals, renters and businesses in Accomack and Northampton counties. An SBA office will open Tuesday, Dec. 11, and be open through Thursday, Dec. 20, except for Sunday, Dec. 16, when it will be closed. Office hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. The SBA office will be located at the Eastern Shore Fire Training Center, 28598 Beacon Road, Melfa, Va., 23410. SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the center to answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the process and help individuals complete their applications.

Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

"We appreciate the SBA low-interest disaster recovery loan program very much, yet there is a need for additional assistance to help people rebuild," said Governor McDonnell. "I encourage all Virginians, especially on this holiday season, to make a tax-deductible donation to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund to help our fellow citizens get back on their feet."

The Virginia Disaster Relief Fund is a state-managed fund to financially aid Virginia residents impacted by disasters. Proceeds of the fund are distributed as grants to Local Disaster Recovery Groups. Grants also can be made to charities and faith-based organizations associated with the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. To donate to the fund, visit https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow.

From WESRTwo fires were reported overnight. At 10:05 a fire in an unoccupied structure was reported on Redwood Road near Onley. Onley, Onancock,Melfa,Tasley, Wachapreague and Painter were dispatched to the scene. Then at 1:09 a fire was reported in an operational chicken house on Seaside Road. Wachapreague, Painter, Melfa and Onley responded.The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are investigating.The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are again asking anyone who sees something out of the ordinary no mater how insignificant it may seem, to contact them.A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

NORFOLK, VA—Robert Patrick Hoffman, II, 39, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to provide classified information to individuals who he believed to be representatives of the Russian Federation.

Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Juan C. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Charles T. May, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed.

Hoffman was charged in an indictment returned yesterday with attempted espionage, which carries the penalty of imprisonment for any term up to life, if convicted. Hoffman was arrested this morning without incident and is scheduled to make his initial appearance at 2:30 p.m. in federal court in Norfolk before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tommy Miller.

According to the indictment, Hoffman is a U.S. citizen born in Buffalo, New York, who served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy until his retirement on November 1, 2011. While serving in the navy, Hoffman held security clearances that granted him access to classified and national defense information relating to programs and operations in which he participated, and he repeatedly signed agreements to not disclose that sensitive information.

The indictment alleges that on October 21, 2012, Hoffman attempted to deliver to the Russian Federation classified documents that revealed national security information. He is alleged to have carried out this activity with the intent to cause injury to the United States and to give an advantage to the Russian Federation. In fact, Hoffman delivered the information to the FBI, which was conducting an undercover operation, according to the indictment.

The indictment does not allege that the Russian Federation committed any offense under U.S. laws in this case.

This case was investigated by the FBI and NCIS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Krask and Alan M. Salsbury and Trial Attorney Heather M. Schmidt of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Virginia residents! This year The Saxis Island Museum has been added ! Don't miss the featured presentation (time listed below)

And in case you didn't know ( CL says he knew) The Saxis Island Museum is on FACEBOOK. Please check there for the most recent photos from Hurricane Sandy.

Also...The Saxis Island Museum has a wonderful website - http://saxisislandmuseum.org/index.html devoted to the islands' history of people and life on the water and land. Please take time to see the many photos made available.

Check the Educational Links and read how to build a crab pot......I'm thinking that if you're going to build just one crab pot it might be better to just use a piece of string and chicken back!

And please don't miss reading the story written by Patrick Hendrickson about the Harvey A. Drewer Oyster Boat.http://highcamera.com/drewer-article.php If you are familiar with Saxis you have seen the oyster boat. Patrick even mentions Martha Jane's Kitchen.

(Patrick is the one responsible for wooing so many of us with his aerial photos of the ocean and the bay recently). Wonderful website and look forward to seeing more of it in the future. Good luck on your new venture with the museum.

WHEREAS, December 7, 2012 marks the 71st anniversary of the attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, early on the morning of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was ambushed in a surprise attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy, and 2,403 American military personnel, including 44 Virginians, were killed while 1,178 others were wounded; and

WHEREAS, the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day that has since lived in infamy, is among the most destructive and unwarranted acts of war to take place on American soil, and its anniversary serves as a reminder of the vigilance and preparedness which our nation must always maintain; and

WHEREAS, Virginians and Americans everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who died at Pearl Harbor, as well as to those who survived and fought with great honor and bravery in the Second World War while defending the people and principles of our nation; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to observe a day in honor of everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and to reflect upon their sacrifices and on the losses endured by their families and loved ones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize December 7, 2012 as PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

*****************Remembering those who served and continue to serve.

And remembering my Mother on this day and her stories of how she saw this day as a child. Remembering Mr. Mac and his pride as he told me the heroic stories while we sat on his front porch so many summers ago. And remembering my boss for so many years who always spoke with great pride but never spoke of Pearl Harbor without tears for America and Americans.

The Accomack County Parks and Recreation Department, WESR, and the Saxis and Parksley Fire Departments are having their annual Coat, Toy and Bicycle Drive again this year. You can donate a new or slightly used coat, toy or bicycle.

Items can be dropped off at Roses, Four Corner Plaza, Giddens Do Drop Inn in Weirwood and Accomack County Parks and Recreation.Applications for bicycles are being accepted at the Parks and Recreation Office at 23337 Cross Street in Accomac. The application deadline is Friday, December 14th. Bicycles will be distributed at 9:00 A.M. on December 22.Coats will be available at the Accomack Parks and Recreation office, Monday thru Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Pocomoke City – 5 December 2012 – Mayor Bruce Morrison and his wife, Laura, have introduced a new tradition this year to add to the growing list of Christmas festivities in Pocomoke: Christmas river cruises. It is their intention to capitalize on the area’s greatest asset, the Pocomoke River. The effort began when they requested the owners of riverfront properties participate by decorating their home for the holidays.

Bay Queen Cruises will take guests on an evening tour of these homes, via the Pocomoke River. Cruises require advance reservations and occur at 7:00pm on Thursdays and Fridays throughout December, beginning December 6. Captain John Riggi and First Mate Mary Ann take guests on a 40-minute tour that includes live Christmas music and hot cocoa along the way. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling: 443-437-7235 or 410-632-1415.

Photo BW

On Saturdays throughout December, Santa Claus will visit with children from 11:00am – 1:00pm in his cabin downtown. Our Santa house sits in the new downtown mini-park, at the corner of Market & Second Streets. There is no charge. The Junior Women’s Club of Pocomoke will be offering a picture with Santa for $5.00.

Folks are encouraged to cross the street to A Second Time Around (125 Market Street), vintage and collectibles shop, for some special treats.

For four decades of the mid 1900's, George Reid was associated with the soda
parlor next to the Marva Theater. A 1976 newspaper article featured an interview
with Mr. Reid.

You can read the article in it's entirety this Sunday here at The Pocomoke
Public Eye!

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow
storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your
parents or grandparents told you about, a Holiday memory? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to
tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE
posting!

Kimberly Dawn Kenney pled guilty in Accomack County Circuit Court on December 5 to aggravated sexual battery. She was originally charged with rape, but agreed to plead guilty to aggravated sexual battery as part of a plea agreement. The agreement did not contain provisions for sentencing.Listeners might remember a November case in which Frank Piliro, Jr. of Wattsville was convicted of aggravated sexual battery. In that case, the victims aunt forced her to endure the sexual assault by Mr. Piliro. Ms. Kenney is the aunt from that case, which occurred in May 2010.Ms. Kenney has other felony convictions in Accomack County Circuit Court for which she has not yet been sentenced. Judge W. Revell Lewis III remanded Ms. Kenney to the custody of the sheriff to await sentencing in this case and on her previous convictions.

"Need more thoughtful analysis about the structural flaws in state government, or an argument about why O’Malley’s budget numbers haven’t held up over the years? Larry Hogan is at your service."http://articles.centermaryland.org/?p=4391

Md. taxpayers face their own fiscal cliffDaily Record 12.03.12

"Change Maryland has fought a persistent public relations battle with state leaders over Maryland taxes. Its chairman, Larry Hogan, has been a frequent critic of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration when it comes to business climate and tax rates."

President Obama Tax Plan Will Drive Wealth From U.S.Investor's Business Daily 11.29.12

"Down the coast in Maryland, there was a net loss of 31,000 residents from 2007 to 2010, 'the largest taxpayer exodus of any state in the region' in that period, says Change Maryland, the group that reported the data. And where did they go? Change Maryland says 11,500 Marylanders have moved to Virginia. And why?"

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The Ocean City Police Vice/Narcotics Unit has been involved in an aggressive and extensive six week undercover drug investigation which involved multiple suspects throughout Ocean City. The investigation, which was initiated by the Ocean City Police Department due to an overwhelming increase in heroin abuse this year, resulted in approximately 72 drug buys of heroin, cocaine, prescriptions and marijuana. The drug purchases were predominantly heroin.

On November 27, 2012, Ocean City Police narcotics detectives went before the Worcester County Grand Jury which resulted in the indictments of 23 suspects for various drug distribution charges. The bonds on the indicted suspects ranged from $100,000 to $300,000.

The indicted suspects are identified as:

Bruce Culver Bennett, 31, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Thomas Kelly Myers, 35, of Ocean City, MD (Not in Custody)

Jessica Stone Vincent, 29, Ocean City, MD (Not in Custody)

Joshua Allen Drennan, 20, of Ocean City, MD (Not in Custody)

Edward Allen Paddy, 37, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Charles Darick Andrews, 33, of Ocean City, MD (Not in Custody)

Sheron Levette Purnell, 40, of Berlin, MD (Not in Custody)

Anthony DeLarry Hayward, 31, of Berlin, MD (In Custody)

Michael Anthony Jones, 42, of Ocean City, MD (Not in Custody)

Thomas Wayne Purnell Jr., 25, of Berlin, MD (In Custody)

Hunter William Davis, 25, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Michael Eugene Helmbright, 41, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Erik Ryan Curry, 24, of Berlin, MD (In Custody) (In Custody)

James Joseph “Joey” Glenn, Jr., 22 of Berlin, MD (In Custody)

Christopher Shaun Fitzpatrick, 32, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Cody Lee Bradshaw, 26, of Cambridge, MD (In Custody)

Jennifer Lynn Adams, 36, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Shelly Ann Brittingham, 41, of Delmar, DE (In Custody)

Daniel Zellman, 19, of Whaleyville, MD (In Custody)

Taylor David Bakke, 22, of Berlin, MD (In Custody)

Tracey Lee Shaffer, 43, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Nicholas Alexander Palmisano, 18, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

Tori Logan DeCelles, 21, of Ocean City, MD (In Custody)

On Thursday, November 29, 2012, OCPD detectives served a search and seizure warrant on Louis Joseph Rychwalski III, 27, of Ocean City. Rychwalski was found to be in possession of four “bundles” of heroin, which amounted to 46 bags of heroin.

Detectives also arrested two additional suspects (Nicholas Alexander Palmisano, 18, of Ocean City and Edward Allen Paddy, 37 of Ocean City) who were coming to meet with Rychwalski to buy heroin from him. Rychwalski, who was not one of the OCPD indicted suspects, has been charged with various drug charges including possession with the intent to distribute heroin. He is being held on $75,000.00 bond.

During the search and seizure warrant at Rychwalski’s residence detectives located additional heroin, drug paraphernalia, and two replica handguns in the house.

On November 29, while police were attempting to locate and arrest indicted suspects, officers stopped a vehicle containing an indicted suspect, Shelly Anne Brittingham, 41, of Delmar, DE.

During the stop, police recovered a total of 63 bags of heroin from the vehicle. Further investigation revealed two additional suspects, identified as Quamaine Lamar Huggins, 20, of Delmar, DE and Stephanie Lynne Orick, 24 of Hebron, MD, who were both charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and a third suspect who was the driver/owner of the car, identified as Markel Lamar Barkley, 21 of Quantico, MD, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin. The vehicle was seized pending forfeiture. (Pictures of indicted suspects and arrestee’s are available upon request)

Police arrested additional wanted suspects as a result of the indictments. In all, 26 suspects were arrests, three vehicles were seized,110 bags of heroin were confiscated, along with five bags of cocaine, five replica handguns, and $656 in cash.

There are still six outstanding wanted persons from this investigation; they are identified as:

The OCPD will continue the search for the indicted suspects in Ocean City. If they are unable to be located in Ocean City, they will be turned over to the Maryland State Police Fugitive Recovery Squad.

The OCPD conducted this investigation with cooperation and support of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department/Criminal Enforcement Team, Maryland State Police and the Worcester County States Attorney’s Office.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of the six fugitives listed above, please contact the OCPD at 410-723-6610 or your local law enforcement agency.

9:30 PM structure fire (abandoned) on Bobtown Road in Melfa, Va.(South of the Country Club Road intersection). Fireman report that rear section of the building was fully involved when they arrived on the scene. Onancock, Wachapreague, Melfa and Painter responded.

According to arson investigators these are a couple of charecteristics of the arsonist:(1) Subject likely talks frequently about the fires and resulting media coverage

(2) Subject may act differently and show an unusual pattern of leaving home during the night

If you notice anything unusual in your area or near any abandoned structures please contact:

Melfa, Va. Dec. 3
Photo Easternshorefire.com

Virginia State Police toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or 757-424-6820

Or call the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at 757-787-1131Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal continue to work overtime to find the arsonist.There is a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases.

(DERWOOD, MD) -- Maryland State Police are investigating the apparent murder of a missing Frederick County man whose body was found this afternoon in the trunk of his car parked in a Montgomery County lot.

The victim is identified as John P. Ryan, 37, of Frederick, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

Ryan’s car was found by a US Department of Homeland Security investigations agent assigned to the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force shortly before 2:30 p.m. today. Investigators were searching for Ryan’s black 2007 Lexus LS460L and found it parked in a parking lot used by multiple businesses in the 15000-block of Somerville Drive in Derwood, Md.

The car was removed from the lot and transported by truck under police escort back to the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack. State Police investigators obtained a search warrant to search the car.

Police found Ryan’s body in the trunk. Investigators observed what appeared to be trauma to the body, which will not be detailed further at this time due to the continuing investigation. Police also found a quantity of suspected marijuana and cash in the trunk.

Ryan’s wife reported him missing to the Frederick Police Department on November 29, 2012. She said she last saw him at their home on the night of November 27th and that he had left the house before she awoke on November 28th.

Frederick Police requested Maryland State Police assistance in the missing person investigation. Maryland State Police enlisted the assistance of the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force in the search for Ryan. The task force includes investigators from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, FBI, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Montgomery County Police also assisted with the search for Ryan and have continued to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Police investigators had been searching for Ryan since his wife reported him missing. They conducted numerous interviews with family members, friends, and associates, of Ryan.

Ryan was a businessman who specialized in property maintenance. He traveled for business throughout the region of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

No arrests have been made. A motive is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about the disappearance and death of Ryan is urged to contact Maryland State Police Corporal Jonathan Martin or Sergeant Richard Bachtell at 301-644-4151. Callers may remain anonymous.Md. State Police

(DERWOOD, MD) -- Maryland State Police are investigating the apparent murder of a missing Frederick County man whose body was found this afternoon in the trunk of his car parked in a Montgomery County lot.

The victim is identified as John P. Ryan, 37, of Frederick, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

Ryan’s car was found by a US Department of Homeland Security investigations agent assigned to the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force shortly before 2:30 p.m. today. Investigators were searching for Ryan’s black 2007 Lexus LS460L and found it parked in a parking lot used by multiple businesses in the 15000-block of Somerville Drive in Derwood, Md.

The car was removed from the lot and transported by truck under police escort back to the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack. State Police investigators obtained a search warrant to search the car.

Police found Ryan’s body in the trunk. Investigators observed what appeared to be trauma to the body, which will not be detailed further at this time due to the continuing investigation. Police also found a quantity of suspected marijuana and cash in the trunk.

Ryan’s wife reported him missing to the Frederick Police Department on November 29, 2012. She said she last saw him at their home on the night of November 27th and that he had left the house before she awoke on November 28th.

Frederick Police requested Maryland State Police assistance in the missing person investigation. Maryland State Police enlisted the assistance of the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force in the search for Ryan. The task force includes investigators from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, FBI, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Montgomery County Police also assisted with the search for Ryan and have continued to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Police investigators had been searching for Ryan since his wife reported him missing. They conducted numerous interviews with family members, friends, and associates, of Ryan.

Ryan was a businessman who specialized in property maintenance. He traveled for business throughout the region of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

No arrests have been made. A motive is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about the disappearance and death of Ryan is urged to contact Maryland State Police Corporal Jonathan Martin or Sergeant Richard Bachtell at 301-644-4151. Callers may remain anonymous.

At approximately 7:30pm Sunday night units from Parksley, Bloxom, Saxis and Atlantic were dispatched to the scene of another abandonned structure fire. The location of this fire was at the intersection of White's Crossing road and Cat Tail road near Mearsville. This brings the total number of fires since November 12 to 25. There were two fires Friday night, one on Church Road in Accomac, and another in Belinda. Saturday night brought another fire in a food catering trailer in Boston.The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are again asking anyone who sees something out of the ordinary no mater how insignificant it may seem, to contact them.A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Around 1:49 AM Sunday a fire was reported in a portable catering trailer at the location of the former Cajun Kitchen Restaurant trailer on Boston Road near Melfa.

Painter, Onancock, Exmore and Melfa responded to the early morning blaze. Investigators believe the fire has a high probability of being a part of the string of arsons that have plagued Accomack County since November 12. Residents are requested to report any unusual activity to the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.

Blackened Walls And Tower From Which Chimes Have Fallen All That Is Left Of
Edifice

Associated Press

Crisfield, Md., May 10- A one-time massive granite church structure, built at
a cost of $200,000, to residents of the little suburban community of Lawsonia,
lies in ruins today. Parts of two blackened walls and the tower from which the
chimes have fallen are all that was left by a fire, which yesterday afternoon,
also destroyed three dwellings, an underwear factory and drug store. The loss
will exceed $300,000.

Many residents of Lawsonia had mortgaged their homes to pay their
proportionate share of the cost of the edifice which was formally opened two
years ago. All but $20,000 of the church obligation had been paid. Only $45,000
in insurance was carried.

The fire started in the factory and soon spread to other buildings. The
community is without a water system and the residents were unable to offer
resistance to the flames advances.

The heat from the garage was so intense that the stain glass windows were
removed from the church. It was thought that the slate and granite structure was
immune. The flames appeared to have spent their force when suddenly sparks
caught to the interior and the building was doomed.

The church was among the most pretentious in the Wilmington Methodist
Episcopal conference and was the second largest edifice on the Del-Mar-Va
peninsula.

February, 1930 (The Salisbury Times)

Crisfield- The new Asbury Methodist Episcopal church at Lawsonia, near here,
was dedicated yesterday with impressive ceremonies, conducted by Bishop William
F. McDowell and other prominent Methodist clergymen. Services in connection with
dedication of the new church, which cost $175,000, will continue through the
week.

May, 1912 (The Evening Post- Frederick, Md.)

For Salisbury-to-Ocean City Road.

Berlin.- Mayor Orlando Harrison headed a committee of about 30 businessmen of
this town who called on the county commissioners at Snow Hill yesterday, in the
interest of building a stone road between Salisbury and Ocean City, a distance
of 35 miles. The county commissioners have promised to take the matter up with
the State Roads Commission.

March, 1977

A health care clinic was being readied to open in Pocomoke City in the former
school building at Fourth & Walnut Streets. A fund drive for the clinic's
start-up operation was underway and the City Council was making a $5,000
contribution. A physician assistant, Theodore Holt, was hired for the clinic's
operation.

October, 1884

Forrest fires were raging through many sections of the mid-Atlantic coast
including Eastern Shore areas. A newspaper article published by The Review in
Decatur, Illinois included the following: "Along the line of the Eastern
Shore Railroad through Wicomico and Somerset counties, thousands of acres have
been burned over. Two weeks ago a fire started in the swamp near Eden, a station
on the Eastern Shore Railroad, a few miles above Princess Anne. It ate its way
down the country around Princess Anne, and wound up last night near Kingston,
having cleaned out the swamp and high timber fields for a distance of nearly
seventeen miles, varying in width from one to three miles, and burning over five
thousand acres of land. Rabbits, squirrels, partridges, snakes, raccoons,
opossums, swept before the oncoming flood of fire in mad haste to escape with
their lives."

July, 1894(The Times- Portsmouth, Ohio)

A GOOSEBERRY farmer on the eastern shore of Maryland recently shipped to
Baltimore twelve thousand, seven hundred pounds of green gooseberries and sold
them at four and a half cents a pound. He expects to gather more than 600
bushels of gooseberries from six acres. The gooseberry is one of the fruits that
sell better green than ripe. Green gooseberry sauce is esteemed an admirable
accompaniment to meats in the land where the gooseberry grows, and green
gooseberry pie, though less beautiful than cranberry tart, is an admirable
product.

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow
storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your
parents or grandparents told you about, a Holiday memory? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to
tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE
posting!

On Tuesday (November 27) I had the pleasure of meeting Donna Clarke the "Project Linus" Coordinator for Delmarva at the Saxis, Va. firehouse to introduce her to Mayor Denise Drewer and to present Denise with 50 clean, warm, snuggly and hand made blankets for the children in the area.

For those of you who may not know Saxis, Sanford and the small surrounding areas were also devastated by the fury of Hurrican Sandy.

﻿

Mayor of Saxis Denise Drewer holds one of the colorful quits made by one of the ladies from the Eastern Shore Quilt Guild, Exmore, Va.Photo BW

﻿These wonderful blankets bring comfort to so many in times of devastation and both children and teens are fascinated by them! I am an adult and I was fascinated by every blanket! Not only do they provide warmth but a sense of security for many children and the blanket is theirs to keep.

The blankets Donna left on Tuesday came from an Exmore quilter from the Eastern Shore Quilt Guild Virginia, from Pocomoke area quilters, from Project Linus Blanketeers in Palm Desert CA, Denver CO, and Merrill WI.

I know by now these blankets have found homes and are providing warmth for each child wrapped in one.

Photo BW

And this is serious business! Donna reported that 5,000 blankets made by various chapters nationally were sent to the New York/New Jersey areas for children and teens.

In fact, just a few weeks ago Donna herself organized delivery for 600 blankets to the Somerset County area with more on the way!

If you can sew, knit, crochet, quilt or tie a know and are interested in joining a Project Linus Chapter go to Donna's blog. You really do need to see her photos of the beautiful blankets that have been made available to so many children. You also will enjoy her journey to Crisfield to help those in need. She a busy person with a really big heart....now if I can just get her to have someone make me a soft, snuggly blanket with pigs on like I saw at the bottom of that one bag....

Thanks Donna!

Photo Donna Clarke

Above is a thank you note from one of the children. Donna has them posted on her sight....http://projectlinusdmv.blogspot.com/

Check This Banner For Frequent Changes

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<................WELCOME TO THE POCOMOKE PUBLIC EYE,PLEASE BE SURE TO STOP BY AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW STOREJUST CLICK THE EYE BELOW ............................>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ........................>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ..................